Last week, the team in Kourou was reduced from 16 to 3 to allow the majority of the team to return to their families for the Easter period. The remaining three hardy souls were tasked with looking after the satellite over Easter until the return of the rest of the team.
On 22 March the TAS-I team conducted the first countdown dress rehearsal, which was completed successfully. ESOC used this opportunity to fine tune their communication system (NDIU).
In parallel, the team focussed on finalising the MLI for the Spacecraft and the SAR and OCP instrument.
Later in the week the team started a phase known as ‘baby-sitting’. During this phase there are no activities on the Spacecraft. In addition, the S-3B facility was assessed by TASI and deemed acceptable for the fuelling activities to commence as planned.
Sentinel-1B being moved to the fuelling and integration facility
On 26 March the Spacecraft was returned to the transportation trolley, in preparation for moving to the fuelling and integration facility in S-1B.
For information about our Sentinel-1 mission visit www.esa.int/sentinel-1
From the ESA Sentinel-1B team in Kourou.
Discussion: one comment
Well done guys !
Let’s have another great success as S1A two years ago.
I will join you within couple weeks.
Good Luck to all of you.
CB